Prices of construction materials should stabilise next year - Holcim Lanka CEO

Global recession has crippled the import export sectors of many countries and this will have an adverse effect on Sri Lanka's economy next year, said CEO, Holcim Lanka, Peter Spirig.

He was addressing a ceremony to present the booklet on the 'Clothing factory in Sri Lanka-MAS Intimates Thurulie' by Edward Schwarz of Holcim Foundation to Chairman, MAS Holdings, Mahesh Amalean.

Spirig said due to the devaluation of the Sri Lankan rupee the drop in prices of raw materials is not reflected in the price structure of local commodities. Prices of construction materials have dropped due to the impact of the financial crisis.

"Prices of construction materials may stabilise next year with the gradual revival of world economic activities. Various factors determine the price of a product", he said.

Sustainable construction should be a priority rather than focusing on only large scale construction.

Energy efficiency, waste management and eco-friendly construction will help achieve economic prosperity and save the planet from destruction.

MAS Intimates, Sri Lanka's first eco-friendly green factory is a model for sustainable construction. The occupants enjoy fresh air, natural light, comfortable surroundings and beautiful outdoor views of an intact nature. The operation of the building is not only energy efficient but carbon neutral.

Over 75 per cent of the factory's land area is left to nature, covered with greenery or water and managed as a habitat for plants and animals. Vidhura Ralapanawa of MAS Intimates Thurulie said the nature friendly approach led to a factory that is not a sweatshop but a workplace in union with nature; not a sprawling footprint in its rural setting but preserves the habitat and it is not a carefree consumer of energy but conserves it.

MAS Intimates was set up in the United Kingdom. Marks & Spencer learned that its customers called for greater ethical and environmental responsibility.

MAS Holdings responded by devising a plan A, a five-year eco program for worldwide improvement including the company's suppliers, one of which is MAS Intimates. Edward Schwarz of the Holcim Foundation said the sustainable factory design is vital since industrial manufacturing not only consumes substantial energy and material resources but also directly or indirectly accounts for significant emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. Progress, safety of the planet, economic prosperity, welfare of people and proficiency in work are the aims of sustainable construction.

"No project meets all the criteria of sustainable construction but construction craftsmen should strive to ensure sustainability," he said. LF